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Lakers head coach Byron Scott and Kobe Bryant have not talked about shutting Bryant down for the season, but it continues to be a game-by-game approach to limit the superstar’s minutes. Friday, January 2, 2015. The Grizzlies beat the Lakers 109-106. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht/Los Angeles Daily News)”

Kobe Bryant got the attention of the sports world with his recent comments to columnist Bill Plaschke on Sunday when discussing the topic of retirement.

I’d be lying if I said that it hasn’t crossed my mind,” Bryant was quoted as saying.”Right now I doubt it…but anything’s possible.”

Bryant was at the Lakers practice facility on Sunday morning, but did not speak to media, leaving his head coach Byron Scott to provided reaction to the comments.

“Lakers#0 Nick Young, Ronnie Price Robert Sacre celebrate in the 4th quarter. and The Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors 115-105 in a game played at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. December 23, 2014. (Photo by John McCoy Daily News)”

Ronnie Price missed Friday’s game against the Jazz, held out for an aggravated right elbow and his availability for Monday against Phoenix is looking slim.

“He came in today and got his treatment. We will see how he feels tomorrow, but to be honest with you I’m thinking of sitting Ronnie down one more game and seeing how it reacts,” said Scott. “He hasn’t shot a ball basketball…I want to give him another day if I can.”

Price is averaging 5.5 points per game and 3.8 assists with the Lakers in 38 games this season, averaging 23.3 minutes. Price is listed as doubtful.

“The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant #24 reacts after fouling the Grizzlies’ Mike Conley #11 late in the 4th quarter during their NBA game at the Staples Center Friday, January 2, 2015. The Grizzlies beat the Lakers 109-106. (Photo by Hans Gutknecht/Los Angeles Daily News)”

Coming out of Saturday’s morning short practice, Kobe Bryant’s status for Sunday’s game against Portland was still unknown.

Bryant sat out Friday’s game against Orlando, which the Lakers won 101-84. Head coach Byron Scott tabbed the absence as “just rest” on Friday and would not state if the veteran would be playing Sunday until talking to his star player over the next 48 hours.

Los Angeles Laker Wesley Johnson grabs a rebound against the Utah Jazz first half in the NBA preseason basketball game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA. on Tuesday, October 22, 2013. (Photo by Sean Hiller/Daily News)

In addition to Kobe Bryant sitting out Saturday’s practice (rest), Wesley Johnson did not practice after tweaking his right ankle Friday. But according to the team, the small forward is expecting to suit up and play against the Kings.

Johnson played 28 minutes against Oklahoma City, putting in seven points, three rebounds and three assists. Overall, Johnson is averaging 8.8 points per game. Johnson has started all 26 games this season might be relied on more should Nick Young be suspended for his flagrant 2 foul from Friday.

LakersÕ Nick Young thought he had a three point shot at the end of the third period, but it was called back during second half action at Staples Center Sunday, March 30, 2014. Lakers defeated the Suns 115-99. ( Photo by David Crane/Los Angeles Daily News )

Coming out of the narrow loss to Oklahoma City Friday evening, the big question surrounding the Lakers was what was going to happen to Nick Young after the small forward was ejected early in the fourth quarter on a flagrant 2 foul.

The Lakers were still waiting on word from the league by the end of Saturday’s afternoon practice. But it’s not something that’s taking up too much of head coach Byron Scott’s energy. At least for the moment.

Byron Scott said he agreed to coach the Lakers next season. AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

On Friday afternoon, the Lakers Twitter account was taken over by new head coach Byron Scott for a Q/A session with fans using the #AskByron hashtag. The new Los Angeles skipper took questions for close to an hour. Here are the ten best responses from Scott:

Kentucky forward Julius Randle dons a Los Angeles Lakers cap after being selected seventh overall by the Lakers during the 2014 NBA draft, Thursday, June 26, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

The NBA rookie class participated in an AMA on Reddit Sunday (for those non-Redditors, AMA stands for Ask Me Anything) and a couple questions asked were answered by Lakers rookie Julius Randle, who stole the thread.

Randle took questions on Rookie of the Year awards, his NBA 2K rating and playing with Kobe Bryant.

Reports by ESPN and confirmed by the L.A. Daily News have stated that the Los Angeles Lakers brought in free agent forward Michael Beasley for a workout Wednesday at the team’s practice facility in El Segundo.

Kentucky forward Julius Randle, right, poses for a photo with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected seventh overall by the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2014 NBA draft, Thursday, June 26, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

With Byron Scott now the head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, the former member of the Showtime Lakers gets the chance to coach one of the best players in NBA history in Kobe Bryant.

But he also gets to coach on the most talented young prospects in the league in lottery pick and power forward Julius Randle. At Scott’s introductory press conference on Tuesday, Scott was asked his thoughts on the promising Randle and gave a flattering review:

Byron Scott said he agreed to coach the Lakers next season. AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t exactly hit the home runs they were hoping for in free agency after going after superstars LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony and ultimately losing out to Cleveland and New York.

But the roster additions they were able to make, which include Jeremy Lin, Carlos Boozer and Ed Davis, were enough to have new head coach Byron Scott excited. Continue reading →

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